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Scott Beller, Editor and Contributing Writer
Since February 2020, the DADDYING blog has provided weekly commentary, personal narratives, reviews, research, poetry, and other creative expressions from a diverse group of colleagues, guest writers, and experts to promote the benefits of lifelong Dad involvement to kids, families, and communities.
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Welcome Home to Being A Dad
U.S. Marine Corps veteran and podcaster Ben Killoy finally found his comfort zone as a dad by asking himself one simple question.
Allan Shedlin
Jul 1, 2021
At 80 I'm Grateful for My Childlike State of Mind
For his 80th birthday, DCG Founder Allan Shedlin shares how he's embraced his inner child and "old man," while giving both their due.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 29, 2021
The Many Benefits of Exuberant Lifelong Daddying
As a milestone birthday approaches, DADvocacy Consulting Group Founder Allan Shedlin reflects on a lifetime of daddying and granddaddying.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 22, 2021
Granddaddying Wisdom: Let Nature Be Your Teacher
I realize when I make a donation to The Nature Conservancy, I’m not giving anything of yours away. On the contrary, I’m investing for you...
Allan Shedlin
Mar 25, 2021
A Long Year of Reflection and Daddy Blogging
Just as daddying doesn’t take place in a vacuum, but within multiple contexts and social systems, so it has been with our Daddying blog.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 18, 2021
First and Foremost It’s About the Children
DADvocacy can rightly be viewed as encouraging enhanced partnerships between fathers and mothers.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 4, 2021
It's The Little Things They Will Remember
...engaging my children in making fresh pasta or brewing a cup of espresso, is a lesson in the joy of those simple things.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 18, 2021
How To Cope With A Race That Never Ends
We avoid the runner’s pitfall of incessantly asking “How much more is left?” Instead, we focus on our journey toward the finish...
Allan Shedlin
Feb 4, 2021
Saying Goodbye to The House Where I Grew Up
When people ask me where I grew up, I usually say “Springfield, Virginia,” but that’s not entirely true.
Allan Shedlin
Jan 28, 2021
The Vital Importance of A President's and Daddy's First 100 Days
The presidency, like daddying, does not take place in a vacuum – both occur within a dynamic social system.
Allan Shedlin
Jan 21, 2021
Was 2020 Real or Just Virtual?
I’m trying mightily to embrace the optimism that usually marks a new year and the traditional hopefulness it entails
Allan Shedlin
Jan 6, 2021
May 2020 Silver Linings Energize Daddying Hope for 2021
For our final Daddying blog of the year, we offered each member of our DADvisory Team an opportunity and invitation.
Allan Shedlin
Dec 31, 2020
Have Yourself A Memorable Little Christmas
by Scott Beller, Daddying Editor and Soon-To-Be Retired Santa Claus I love the process of making our family's photo cards each holiday...
Allan Shedlin
Dec 24, 2020
Lessons From 2020: 192 Dads and Granddads Can’t Be Wrong
The end of each year is traditionally a time for us to reflect on the year just passed and, for many, to make resolutions for the year ahead
Allan Shedlin
Dec 17, 2020
The Squirrel in the Coal Mine
by Allan Shedlin Founder, DADvocacy Consulting Group The following was written 11/4/2020, mere hours after Election Day 2020 closed and...
Allan Shedlin
Nov 5, 2020
Our COVIDious Crescendo
My basically-optimistic nature continues to prevail and believe that we are fitfully inching toward a decrescendo, a COVID convalescence...
Allan Shedlin
Oct 15, 2020
How CAMPAIGNful Politics Impact Us and Our Children
After watching the first un-presidential debate, I wondered if it was acceptable fare for kids.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 8, 2020
The Superpower of Being Present
Think of the children in your life. Their superpower is living in the moment. COVID-19 implores us to be more like our children.
Allan Shedlin
Oct 1, 2020
She Made Me A Dad and Gave Me Confidence
I was 38 when my daughter Morgan was born. Even though I had decades of preparation, nothing had quite prepared me for the responsibility.
Allan Shedlin
Sep 17, 2020
Nurturing the New End-of-Summer Butterflies
When the cocoon of childhood summers past opened into a more predictable fall, the emergent butterfly was able to unfurl its new wings & fly
Allan Shedlin
Sep 3, 2020
Being a Dad-at-School is One of the Many Benefits of Being a Work-At-Home Dad
On Earth Day 2026, Daddying blog editor Scott Beller is reminded that being present in his daughters' classrooms over the years brought him as much joy as being there for them as a work-at-home Dad.
Allan Shedlin
3 days ago
Our Nest is Half Full
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller chooses to look at his imminent empty nest as half full.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 16
Why Not Speak the Truth to Our Kids Through History?
Daddying blog editor Scott Beller suggests letting the truth of history be the guide when talking with our kids about important topics that too often have been politicized and obscured with misinformation.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 9
After 20 Years, We're at the Right Place at the Right Time and Still Having A Ball
On the occasion of his 20th wedding anniversary, Daddying blog editor Scott Beller reflects on how being in the right place at the right time can be life-changing.
Allan Shedlin
Apr 3
Preserving Your Daddying Heart
Daddying Film Festival founder Allan Shedlin writes that men are more than capable of exceeding cultural expectations for Dads when they embrace delivery-room vows and nurture their daddying hearts.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 25
Springing Forward but Dad's Still Keeping Time
Daddying editor Scott Beller adapts to an evolving Spring Break schedule with his teen daughters, one in college and one still at home.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 20
What Floats to the Top
Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin, whose older brother is battling cancer, reflects on the importance and true masculinity of men expressing emotion, tenderness, and compassion.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 10
Daddying and the Toys That Bind
Daddying editor Scott Beller returned from Toy Fair 2026 inspired and ready to roll out expanded blog and Daddying Film Festival content to include a focus on the importance of play.
Allan Shedlin
Mar 4
A Special Dad's Quest to Balance the Needs of the Many
Guest writer Clint Harrison, a Dad of Two, adoptive Dad of six, and foster Dad to many, explains some challenges involved in caring for his uniquely blended family.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 26
What Fatherhood Taught Me About Leadership, Accountability, and Legacy
Guest writer Joe Henderson, men's coach and founder of Lead Don't Blame, discusses the importance of presence and reveals how true leadership in the adult world begins at home in how you respond to everyday interactions with your kids and family.
Allan Shedlin
Feb 18
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